Kathmandu: The government has announced a nationwide ‘Cleanliness Week 2083’ campaign from Baisakh 28 to Jestha 1 aimed at promoting clean, dignified and environment friendly public service delivery across the country.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued a special directive instructing all federal ministries, provincial offices and local governments to actively participate in the campaign.

The nationwide initiative will officially begin at 8:30 am on Baisakh 28 from Bir Hospital in the presence of Health and Population Minister Nisha Meheta.

According to the government issued “Cleanliness Week Operation Guidelines 2083,” the campaign aims to implement sanitation standards in government offices with maximum efficiency at minimal cost.

The guidelines were introduced amid concerns that the lack of proper sanitation and waste management standards has negatively affected service delivery as well as the health of employees and service seekers.

Under the campaign, government information boards, citizen charters and signboards must be kept clear and well managed. Cracked and damaged walls will be repaired and repainted, while entrances and main service areas will be maintained in a clean and attractive condition.

The guidelines also require all toilets to remain odor free with a regular water supply. Soap has been made mandatory at handwashing stations and offices must maintain daily cleaning records.

Toilets are expected to be women friendly, equipped with sanitary disposal facilities and made accessible for persons with disabilities wherever possible.

Government offices will also be required to place at least two types of dustbins to separate biodegradable and non biodegradable waste.

The proper management of unused materials has been emphasized, while open burning of waste has been strictly prohibited.

In addition, offices must ensure cleanliness within a 100 meter radius of their premises, including drains and sewage systems. The campaign also calls for improved parking management and the removal of unmanaged wires and posters.

To improve public service experience, offices will establish help desks and fully operate information systems to ensure visitors feel respected and well informed.

For sustainability, each office must designate a “cleanliness focal person,” prepare weekly sanitation schedules and conduct monthly self evaluations.

The government has assigned the responsibility of implementation and monitoring to the heads of respective institutions, who will also be required to maintain regular records of sanitation activities.

The campaign will cover all federal, provincial and local government offices as well as public educational institutions across the country.